BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE 99TH …

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER

99TH AIR BASE WING (ACC)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE

INSTRUCTION 15-129

31 OCTOBER 2017

Weather

WEATHER SUPPORT

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at

www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

OPR: 57 OSS/OSW

Supersedes: NELLISAFBI15-129,

6 May 2015

Certified by: 57 OG/CC

(Colonel Raymond G. Millero, Jr.)

Pages: 48

This instruction establishes the responsibilities and procedures for providing and using weather

services at Nellis AFB and it applies to all agencies described herein. It also implements and

incorporates the requirements of Air Force Instruction (AFI) 15-128 ACCSUP, Air Force

Weather Roles and Responsibilities, Air Force Manual 15-129V1, Air Force Manual 15-129V2

ACCSUP, Air and Space Weather Operations – Exploitation, and AFI 91-203, Air Force

Consolidated Occupational Safety Instruction. It provides general information on weather

services including weather observations and forecasts, weather warnings and advisories,

dissemination of weather information, and reciprocal support. Send comments and suggested

improvements to this instruction on AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication,

to 57 OSS/OSW, 6278 Depot Road, Building 805 Nellis Air Force Base, NV 89191. Ensure

that all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in

accordance with Air Force Manual 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of in

accordance with Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS) Records

Disposition Schedule (RDS).

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This manual has been updated to incorporate changes to guiding publications and to remain in

compliance with those publications. Notable updates include the weather watch, warning and

advisory responsibilities of the 57th OSS Weather Flight and 25th Operational Weather

Squadron as well as the alert criteria for Nellis AFB. Weather Flight operating hours were

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/

2 NELLISAFBI15-129 31 OCTOBER 2017

updated for 24/5 support. In addition, the standby forecaster recall procedures were improved

and updates were made regarding response for issued weather watches and warnings.

Chapter 1— GENERAL INFORMATION 6

1.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 6

1.2. Services. .................................................................................................................. 6

1.3. Location and Hours of Operation. .......................................................................... 6

Table 1.1. Weather Flight Contact Information. ...................................................................... 6

Table 1.2. 25 OWS Contact Information. ................................................................................ 7

1.4. Geographic Area of Responsibility. ........................................................................ 7

1.5. Duty Priorities. ........................................................................................................ 7

Table 1.3. Weather Flight Duty Priorities. ............................................................................... 8

1.6. Forecasting Limitations. ......................................................................................... 8

1.7. Dissemination of Weather Information. ................................................................. 8

1.8. Weather Station Identifiers ..................................................................................... 9

1.9. Release of Weather Information. ............................................................................ 9

1.10. Records Retention. .................................................................................................. 9

1.11. Changes to this Instruction...................................................................................... 9

Chapter 2— AIRFIELD SERVICES 10

2.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 10

2.2. Primary Observation Equipment. ............................................................................ 10

2.3. Additional Equipment. ............................................................................................ 10

2.4. Equipment Limitations. .......................................................................................... 11

2.5. Weather Observations and Limitations. .................................................................. 11

2.6. Augmentation of Primary Observation Equipment. ............................................... 12

2.7. Meteorological Watch (METWATCH). ................................................................. 13

2.8. Continuous Weather Watch (CWW). ..................................................................... 13

2.9. Basic Weather Watch (BWW). ............................................................................... 13

2.10. Cooperative Weather Watch. .................................................................................. 13

NELLISAFBI15-129 31 OCTOBER 2017 3

2.11. Pilot to METRO Service (PMSV). ......................................................................... 14

2.12. PIREPs. ................................................................................................................... 14

2.13. Weather Equipment Outages. ................................................................................. 14

Table 2.1. Observation Phone Dissemination .......................................................................... 15

2.14. Alternate Operating Location (AOL). ..................................................................... 15

Table 2.2. AOL Squadron Notification List. ........................................................................... 17

2.15. Aircraft and Ground Mishaps. ................................................................................ 17

Chapter 3— MISSION WEATHER SERVICES 18

3.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 18

3.2. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF). .................................................................... 18

3.3. Mission Planning Forecast (MPF). ......................................................................... 18

3.4. Mission Execution Forecast (MEF). ....................................................................... 18

3.5. Flight Weather Briefing (FWB). ............................................................................. 19

3.6. Tactical Decision Aids (TDA). ............................................................................... 19

3.7. Mission-Scale Meteorological Watch (MISSIONWATCH). ................................. 19

3.8. RED FLAG/GREEN FLAG-West. ......................................................................... 20

3.9. USAFWS Weapons Integration/Advanced Integration (WI/AI). ........................... 20

3.10. Coronet Mission Briefings. ..................................................................................... 20

3.11. Supervisor of Flying (SOF) Briefing. ..................................................................... 20

3.12. Out of Station Briefings. ......................................................................................... 20

Chapter 4— STAFF INTEGRATION 21

4.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 21

4.2. 99 ABW Stand-up Briefing. ................................................................................... 21

4.3. Airfield Operations Board (AOB). ......................................................................... 21

4.4. Base Support Plan (BSP). ....................................................................................... 21

4.5. Instrument Refresher Course (IRC) Briefing. ......................................................... 21

4.6. Flight Information Publication (FLIP) Review. ...................................................... 21

4.7. Toxic Corridor, Chemical and Effective Downwind Messages. ............................. 21


Chapter 5— RESOURCE PROTECTION 22

5.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 22

5.2. Definition of terms: ................................................................................................. 22

5.3. Delineation of Weather Watch, Warning and Advisory Duties. ............................. 22

5.4. WWA Numbering ................................................................................................... 23

5.5. Primary Dissemination. .......................................................................................... 23

Figure 5.1. Primary WWA Notification Flow. .......................................................................... 24

5.6. Backup Dissemination. ........................................................................................... 24

5.7. Severe Weather Action Plan (SWAP). ................................................................... 24

5.8. Operational Reporting (OPREP)............................................................................. 25

Chapter 6— RECIPROCAL SUPPORT 26

6.1. General. ................................................................................................................... 26

6.2. 99 ABW/CC will: ................................................................................................... 26

6.3. 99 ABW/CP will: .................................................................................................... 26

6.4. 99 CS will: .............................................................................................................. 26

6.5. 57 OSS/OSM will: .................................................................................................. 26

6.6. 99 AMDS/SGPB (Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight) will: ............................. 26

6.7. 57 WG/SE will: ....................................................................................................... 27

6.8. 57 OG/CC will: ....................................................................................................... 27

6.9. 57 OSS/OSA will: ................................................................................................... 27

6.10. Supervisor of Flying will: ....................................................................................... 28

6.11. 414 CTS and 549 CTS will: .................................................................................... 28

6.12. 16 WPS, 17 WPS, 34 WPS, 66 WPS, 433 WPS, 64AGRS will: ............................ 28


Attachment 1— GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 29

Attachment 2— LOCATION OF AN/FMQ-19 34

Attachment 3— SPECIAL OBSERVATION CRITERIA 35

Attachment 4— TAF SPECIFICATION AND AMENDMENT CRITERIA 38

Attachment 5— MISSION WEATHER THRESHOLDS / AIRCRAFT SENSITIVITIES 41

Attachment 6— MISSION EXECUTION FORECAST (MEF) AMENDMENT CRITERIA 44

Attachment 7— WEATHER WATCH, WARNING, AND ADVISORY (WWA)CRITERIA 47


Chapter 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. General. This document provides a consolidated source of weather support capabilities,

procedures, and responsibilities at Nellis AFB, NV. It does not eliminate the need for

specialized weather support to be included in base/command operational plans. Air Force

Weather concepts and procedures are outlined in Air Force and MAJCOM TA \1 “MAJCOM—

Major Command (Air Force)” \s “MAJCOM” \c 1 publications.

1.2. Services. The 57th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight (57 OSS/OSW) provides

or arranges for weather support to the 57th Wing (57 WG), the 99th Air Base Wing (99 ABW),

and tenant units. In addition, the weather flight issues observed and forecast weather warnings

and advisories for Nellis AFB with weather watch support from the 25th Operational Weather

Squadron (25 OWS TA \1 “OWS—Operational Weather Squadron” \s “OWS” \c 1) at Davis-

Monthan AFB, AZ. In concert with the 25 OWS, 57 OSS/OSW tailors products for criteria

important to flying operations, base support agencies, and maintenance operations.

1.3. Location and Hours of Operation. The weather flight is located in Building 805, and is

collocated with Airfield Management Operations (AMOPS TA \1 “AMOPS—Airfield

Management Operations” \s “AMOPS” \c 1). The weather flight is closed on weekends and

federal holidays. When the weather flight is unmanned, there will be a forecaster on standby

ready to augment the observation as defined in paragraph 2.6. (Augmentation of Primary

Observing Equipment), issue weather Warnings and advisories as defined in paragraph 5.3.

(Delineation of Weather Watch, Warning and Advisory Duties) and respond to severe weather as

defined in paragraph 5.7. (Severe Weather Action Plan). See Table 1.1 for weather flight

contact information. Weather observations are automatically taken and disseminated through the

weather flight’s automated observation system; this continues even when the weather flight is

closed.

1.3.1. The operating hours for the Airfield Support section are primarily from 0000L

Monday morning through 2359L on Friday (24/5) with extended hours on weekends during

inclement weather, exercises and sensor outages.

1.3.2. The Mission Integration section is predominately located at the USAF Weapons

School ops desk. During Red and Green Flag exercises, a forecaster will also be located at

the respective squadron. Mission Integration hours are established around the battle rhythm

and flex based upon the mission requirements of Nellis AFB.

Table 1.1. Weather Flight Contact Information.

Weather Flight Commander DSN 682-8707 Comm (702) 652-8707

Weather Flight Flight Chief DSN 682-8730 Comm (702) 652-8730

Airfield Support DSN 682-4744 Comm (702) 652-4744

Weapons School Mission DSN 682-8868 Comm (702) 652-8868


Integration

Red Flag Mission Integration DSN 682-2395 Comm (702) 652-2395

Green Flag Mission

Integration DSN 682-7030 Comm (702) 652-4262

Standby forecaster

DSN 682- 2446 / 2447

(Command Post, which will

contact the standby forecaster)

Comm (702) 423-8185

(Mobile phone carried by

standby forecaster)

Alternate Operating Location

(see paragraph 2.144) DSN 682-4551 Comm (702) 652-4551

Fax DSN 682-2604 Comm (702) 652-2604

Table 1.2. 25 OWS Contact Information.

Flight Weather

Briefer

Voice DSN 228-6598/6599/6588

Fax DSN 228-7361

Comm (520) 228-6598/6599/6588

Fax (520) 228-7361

Senior Duty Officer DSN 228-7655 Comm (520) 228-7655

Ops Superintendent DSN 228-2445 Comm (520) 228-2445

1.4. Geographic Area of Responsibility. The area of responsibility for products and services

provided by the weather flight is defined as the area located within a five nautical mile radius

around the center of the Nellis AFB airfield complex. The weather flight will also conduct a

meteorological watch (METWATCH) and a mission meteorological watch (MISSIONWATCH)

for all areas and routes in which Nellis AFB flying units are conducting operations. These areas

include, but are not limited to, the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), the Utah Test and

Training Range (UTTR), and Range 2508 located at the National Training Center (NTC) at Ft

Irwin.

1.5. Duty Priorities. All AF weather units are required to develop clearly defined duty

priorities. The weather flight duty priorities are listed in Table 1.3.


Table 1.3. Weather Flight Duty Priorities.

Priority Duties

1 Perform Emergency War Order tasking’s (to include 24/7 ACA support).

2 Evacuation of Weather Flight during emergencies.

3 Issue/Disseminate Forecast/Observed Hazardous Weather Warnings/Lightning

Watches

4 Respond to aircraft and ground emergencies.

5 Issue/Disseminate Forecast/Observed Weather Advisories

6

Respond to Pilot to Metro Service (PMSV) contacts.

Note: This includes all contacts with airborne aircrews including phone patches,

radio contacts, aircrew-generated computer messages, and contacts through

satellite communications equipment and cell phones.

7 Provide weather information for the Supervisor of Flying (SOF).

8 Activate Severe Weather Action Procedures (SWAP).

9 Relay Urgent PIREPs to 25 OWS

10 Augment automated observing system.

11 Produce and disseminate mission forecasts.

12 Provide Weather Briefings.

13 Disseminate PIREPs.

14 Perform MISSIONWATCH.

15 Collaborate with 25 OWS.

16 Accomplish Weather Functional Training.

17 Perform Administrative Tasks.

1.6. Forecasting Limitations.

1.6.1. Limitations. The terrain features surrounding Nellis AFB and their effects on local

weather patterns create forecasting and observing challenges. Therefore, forecasts beyond 30

hours will be used for planning purposes only.

1.6.2. Surrounding hills and mountains may block, enhance, or divert winds resulting in

varying wind conditions across the airfield.

1.7. Dissemination of Weather Information. Timely and reliable dissemination of weather

information is crucial for safety of flight and resource protection. The Weather Flight

disseminates information in several ways.


1.7.1. AN/FMH-5, commonly known as the Joint Environmental Toolkit (JET) , is the

primary means used by the weather flight and the 25 OWS to create and disseminate

forecasts, observations, and weather warnings, watches, and advisories. The Air Traffic

Control (ATC) Tower and the Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility (NATCF, referred to as

Radar Approach Control or RAPCON at other bases) are equipped with Airfield Automation

System (AFAS) monitors to view JET information; Any computer connected to the base

network can also view JET information.

1.7.1.1. If JET is inoperative the backup procedures listed in paragraph 2.13.2 will be

followed.

1.7.2. Weather information can be accessed through NIPRNET. The weather flight

SharePoint site displays real-time information from JET, the latest satellite image and radar

data, and the most recent Mission Planning Forecast and Mission Execution Forecast. The

site is reached using the link titled “Weather” on the Nellis AFB SharePoint at

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/57th_wing/57OG/57_Operations%20Support%20

Squadron/OSW/default.aspxhttps. Additional weather products such as hazard charts and

regional weather data can be found on the 25 OWS page: https://25ows.us.af.mil/.

1.7.3. Nellis AFB agencies will be notified of weather watches, warnings, and advisories as

detailed in paragraph 5.5.

1.8. Weather Station Identifiers . Forecasts and observations for Nellis AFB use the

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identifier KLSV. The World Meteorological

Organization (WMO) index number for KLSV is 72385.

1.9. Release of Weather Information. The weather flight will not provide weather information

or support to non-DoD agencies or the public unless the request was coordinated with and

approved by the 99 ABW Public Affairs office (99 ABW/PA).

1.10. Records Retention. All flight weather briefings, products produced by the weather flight,

and mission-related contacts, regardless of format (i.e. electronic, verbal, or paper), will be

documented and maintained IAW the AF Records Disposition Schedule and AFI 33-364,

Records Disposition - Procedures and Responsibilities.

1.11. Changes to this Instruction. Modifications to this instruction will be coordinated

through the weather flight biennially, or as changes to weather support requirements dictate.

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/57th_wing/57OG/57_Operations%20Support%20Squadron/OSW/default.aspxhttps

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/57th_wing/57OG/57_Operations%20Support%20Squadron/OSW/default.aspxhttps

https://25ows.us.af.mil/


Chapter 2

AIRFIELD SERVICES

2.1. General. The weather flight continually takes and disseminates routine and special weather

observations throughout the day. The observation equipment operates in full automated mode

except under the conditions described in paragraph 2.6, meaning most observations will be sent

without input from weather personnel.

2.2. Primary Observation Equipment. The AN/FMQ-19 Automated Meteorological Station

(AMOS) is used to take official weather observations at Nellis AFB. It interfaces directly with

JET, automatically disseminating observations locally and long-line. As shown in Attachment

2, the AN/FMQ-19 has two sensor sites, one located near the touchdown point of each runway.

The sensors measure the following elements:

2.2.1. Wind direction and velocity.

2.2.2. Cloud heights and coverage.

2.2.3. Visibility.

2.2.4. Present weather.

2.2.5. Runway Visual Range (RVR).

2.2.6. Atmospheric pressure (runway 21 site only).

2.2.7. Temperature (runway 21 site only).

2.2.8. Dew point temperature (from relative humidity – runway 21 site only).

2.2.9. Precipitation amount (runway 21 site only).

2.2.10. Lightning distance and bearing (runway 21 site only).

2.3. Additional Equipment. In addition to the AN/FMQ-19, the weather flight relies on the

following equipment:

2.3.1. Gibson Ridge Radar Software. The weather flight displays and analyzes high-

resolution weather radar data derived directly from national weather radars through this

internet software program. The nearest weather radar is located on Nelson’s Peak

(approximately 30NM to the south of Nellis AFB) at an elevation of over 4,900 ft. This

radar is controlled by the Las Vegas National Weather Service office. The weather flight

also maintains a subscription with WeatherTap.com, a commercial internet weather

information provider, as an alternate source for radar data.

2.3.2. Pilot to Metro Service (PMSV) Radio. The weather flight monitors frequency

323.9MHz. See paragraph 2.11 for details on the PMSV.

2.3.3. Local Area Network (LAN). The LAN is vital to weather operations. The weather

flight uses the LAN to access and disseminate forecasts, observations, watches, warnings,

advisories, satellite imagery, radar data, and lightning strike information. The weather flight

also relies on the LAN to obtain flight weather briefing products and other operational

products from the 25 OWS


2.4. Equipment Limitations. Currently known equipment limitations are listed below.

2.4.1. AN/FMQ-19 Limitations.

2.4.1.1. Cloud height and coverage are determined by laser beam ceilometers, which

look at a small portion of the atmosphere directly above the sensor. A representative sky

condition is calculated for the entire celestial dome using a time-averaged algorithm. The

FMQ-19 measures cloud heights between 100 and 25,000 feet.

2.4.1.2. Visibility is determined at the sensor location so it may not be representative of

the entire airfield.

2.4.1.3. The FMQ-19 may not detect all thunderstorm and lightning activity and it cannot

detect hail, volcanic ash, cloud types, or tornadic activity.

2.4.1.4. The FMQ-19 may be slow to report accurate sky conditions, visibility, and

present weather during periods of rapidly changing weather conditions because these

elements are calculated using time-averaged algorithms.

2.4.2. PMSV is unreliable from:

2.4.2.1. 085° through 155° beyond 35NM at or below FL200.



2.4.3. Weather Radar. There are currently no known impacts to the local weather radar. With

the proliferation of wind turbine projects in the local area, future unknown impacts may be

observed.

2.5. Weather Observations and Limitations.

2.5.1. The AN/FMQ-19 and JET are certified to operate automatically and all observations

will be taken and disseminated in this manner unless the system fails partially (e.g. sensor

failure) or completely (e.g. communication failure), or augmentation is required. The criteria

for manual observations are described in paragraph 2.6.

2.5.2. Observing Locations/Observing Limitations. The official observing location for

automated observations is the AN/FMQ-19 sensor location at the approach end of the active

runway. The official observation location for manually observed elements is the compass

rose painted approximately 50 feet southeast of AMOPS, building 805. Observing limitations

for this location are:

2.5.2.1. Flight line facilities block the forecaster's view of the approach end of Runway

03L/R and the horizon from 190°-330°.

2.5.2.2. High intensity ramp lights diminish the ability to determine visibility at night.

2.5.2.3. Loud noises may prevent the forecaster from hearing thunder.

2.5.2.4. The Alternate Operating Location limitations are listed in paragraph 2.14.1.

2.5.3. Types of Observations. Two types of observations are disseminated to describe the

weather at Nellis AFB: Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) and Non-routine

(Special) Aviation Weather Report (SPECI). AFH 11-203V2, Weather for Aircrews,


paragraph 2.5 gives a step-by-step example showing how to read METAR and SPECI

observations.

2.5.3.1. METAR is a routine hourly observation as well as the primary observation code

used throughout the world for reporting surface meteorological data. METAR reports

contain information on wind, visibility, runway visual range, present weather and

obscurations, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting. In addition,

encoded and plain language information that elaborates on the weather conditions report

may be appended to the report.

2.5.3.2. SPECI is an unscheduled observation transmitted when any of the special

criteria have been observed. SPECI will contain all data elements found in a METAR

report plus additional remarks that elaborate on data in the body of the report. All SPECI

reports will be prepared and transmitted as soon as possible after the relevant criteria are

observed. Attachment 3 lists NAFB SPECI criteria.

2.6. Augmentation of Primary Observation Equipment. Modifying an observation generated

by the AMOS or manually taking an observation is known as augmentation. Augmentation is

performed only by qualified weather flight personnel under specific circumstances. The two

augmentation processes are supplementing and back-up.

2.6.1. Supplementing observations: Weather flight personnel will supplement the automated

observation when weather is observed that is beyond the AN/FMQ-19’s capability to detect.

Weather technicians will perform a Basic Weather Watch (BWW) and be prepared to

supplement observations when the airfield is open and the mandatory supplemented criteria

are observed and/or forecast to occur within 1 hour. Weather personnel are required to log

on to the JET system and be prepared to supplement whenever a watch or warning has been

issued for tornadic activity regardless of airfield status. Weather personnel are not required to

supplement during airfield closure hours for other criteria. The criteria for supplementing an

observation are:

2.6.1.1. Tornado or funnel cloud.

2.6.1.2. Hail greater than or equal to 1/4”.

2.6.1.3. Volcanic ash.

2.6.1.4. Ice Pellets

2.6.1.5. Tower Visibility (4 SM or less and surface visibility differs by more than one

reportable value).

2.6.2. Back-up observations: If the automated observation system is partially (due to

individual sensor failure) or completely inoperative (due to system or communication failure)

the weather flight will manually provide and disseminate weather data as necessary. The

official observation point for manual observations is the compass rose painted approximately

50 feet southeast of AMOPS at building 805.

2.6.3. Recall/Augmentation procedures: Due to the favorable climatology of Nellis AFB

and the robust nature of the FMQ-19, augmentation of the FMQ-19 is rarely required. Due to

this, the 57 OSS/OSW Airfield Support normal hours of operation do not match the Nellis

AFB airfield hours. This also allows the 57 OSS/OSW to use its limited manning resources

to integrate with the Nellis mission and provide tailored weather to the warfighter. In


accordance with AFMAN 15-111, the potential risks of not matching the airfield hours have

been identified and are mitigated by the following recall/augmentation procedures:

2.6.3.1. When the Airfield Support section is closed, the standby forecaster will be

available at all times to provide weather support to all airfield agencies. The dedicated

standby cell phone and Mission Integration numbers are listed in Table 1.2.

2.6.3.2. Weather personnel will be present (or recalled) to back-up weather observations

at all times in the event of a partial or complete outage of weather observing equipment.

2.6.3.3. Weather personnel will be present (or recalled) to supplement the observation as

described in section 2.6.1.

2.7. Meteorological Watch (METWATCH). METWATCH is the process of monitoring

terrestrial and space weather in an area. The purpose of the METWATCH is to identify when

and where observed conditions significantly diverge from forecasted conditions and to update or

amend forecast products and notify supported agencies.

2.7.1. The weather flight conducts a METWATCH for Nellis AFB during flight operating

hours and when recalled for WWA responsibilities as defined in section 5.3.

2.7.2. The 25 OWS provides a METWATCH for Nellis AFB for Terminal Aerodrome

Forecast (TAF), Watch and Special Weather Statement support. They will also provide

coverage when the weather flight is closed and recall standby weather flight personnel as

required.

2.8. Continuous Weather Watch (CWW). During a CWW, weather conditions will be

continuously monitored and the observer will perform no other significant duties. At Nellis AFB

the AMOS performs an automatic CWW, though the weather flight may perform a CWW if

locally determined to be more appropriate due to existing weather conditions.

2.9. Basic Weather Watch (BWW). The purpose of a BWW is to determine the need for a

SPECI observation. During a BWW weather personnel will check weather conditions, at

intervals not to exceed 20 minutes since the last observation or check, when any of the following

conditions are observed to be occurring or forecast to occur within 1 hour:

2.9.1. Any change in weather conditions that may require a SPECI or LOCAL observation.

2.9.2. Ceiling forms below or decreases to less than 1500 feet.

2.9.3. Ceiling dissipates or increases to equal or exceed 1500 feet.

2.9.4. Visibility decreases to less than 3 miles.

2.9.5. Visibility increases to or exceeds 3 miles.

2.9.6. Precipitation (any form).

2.9.7. Thunderstorms.

2.9.8. Fog or mist.

2.9.9. All supplemental and back up-criteria specified in section 2.8.

2.10. Cooperative Weather Watch. To ensure accuracy in weather observations, a

Cooperative Weather Watch has been established between the weather flight and the 57 OSS

Airfield Operations Flight (57 OSS/OSA). The primary concern of the Cooperative Weather


Watch is tower visibility different than the reported surface visibility, local PIREPs, and any

unreported weather conditions that could affect flight safety or location operations and resources.

2.10.1. The weather flight will provide initial visibility observation training and certification

to control tower personnel. Use of AFAS and JET are part of this initial training. The

weather flight will also assist with updating and validating tower visibility charts annually.

2.10.2. ATC personnel are able to assist the weather flight with resource protection and

flight safety in several ways.

2.10.2.1. Control tower personnel who are certified to evaluate tower visibility will

notify the weather flight or standby forecaster when: (1) ATC personnel disseminate a

visibility report for the WF, (2) it meets the criteria for a tower visibility remark (less

than 4 SM & differs by a reportable value from prevailing visibility), and (3) the

observation crosses or matches an operationally significant ATC threshold.

2.10.2.2. Control tower personnel will report any occurrence of unreported weather

conditions that could affect flight safety or be critical to the safety or efficiency of other

local operations or resources.

2.10.2.3. ATC personnel will solicit PIREPs and relay all PIREPs received to the

weather flight for dissemination within 5 minutes or as soon as possible.

2.11. Pilot to METRO Service (PMSV). The weather flight monitors 323.9 MHz to respond to

requests for weather information from aircrews in flight or on the ground. The weather flight

will solicit PIREPs from aircrews contacting the weather flight. PMSV is not available when the

weather flight is closed. PMSV radio limitations are listed in paragraph 2.4.2 and the PMSV

radio outage contingency plan is described in paragraph 2.13.3.

2.12. PIREPs. All PIREPs received by the weather flight will be disseminated over JET system

or through a backup method.

2.12.1. Any base agency receiving a PIREP will relay it within 5 minutes of receipt to the

weather flight for dissemination.

2.13. Weather Equipment Outages. The weather flight has developed procedures to continue

operations and mission support in the event of equipment or communication failure.

2.13.1. AN/FMQ-19 sensor or equipment failure:

2.13.1.1. As an alternate source of lightning data the weather flight maintains a

subscription with a commercial Internet weather information provider.

2.13.1.2. For sensor outages other than lightning detection, weather flight personnel will

switch to the inactive sensor site if possible (paragraph 2.2 lists the sensors in each site)

or use tactical equipment at the official manual observation location or AOL. Wind and

pressure values from tactical equipment are reported as estimated. Any unrepresentative

meteorological values will be reported as missing (M).

2.13.2. JET: Weather flight personnel will request observation transmission by another Air

Force weather unit and verbally pass the observation to the agencies in Table 1.41.4.

Weather watches, warnings, and advisories will also be relayed to these agencies by the

issuing organization (i.e. 25 OWS or the weather flight).


Table 2.1. Observation Phone Dissemination

Order of Dissemination DSN Commercial

Tower/SOF 682-9612/2708 (702) 652-9612/2708

NATCF (RAPCON) 682-4222 (702) 652-4222

Command Post 682-2446/2447 (702) 652-2446/2447

25 OWS 228-6674/6673 (520) 228-6673/6674

AMOPS 682-4600/4601 (702) 652-4600/4601

2.13.3. PMSV radio: For outages expected to be less than one hour in length, ATC personnel

will monitor the PMSV frequency and relay PIREPS and requests for weather information. If

the outage is expected to last more than one hour, AMOPS will send a Notice to Airman

(NOTAM). The NOTAM will state PMSV service is unavailable and aircraft with phone

patch capabilities should contact the 25OWS for assistance and current weather at the phone

numbers given in Table 1.2.

2.13.4. LAN: The weather flight will use telephones, cell phones, or fax to continue weather

support.

2.13.4.1. If required to disseminate observations or weather warnings, advisories, and

watches by phone, the responsible agency (either the weather flight or 25OWS) will call

the agencies listed in Table 2.1.

2.13.4.2. Requests for weather briefs will be passed on to the 25 OWS Flight Weather

Briefer. When the brief is completed the Flight Weather Briefer will fax the finished

product to the weather flight or to the customer requesting the weather brief.

2.13.4.3. If the outage also includes base telephones, the weather flight will turn over

responsibility for production and dissemination of all Nellis weather products to the 25

OWS. A runner will be employed as needed to pass critical weather information to the

SOF and Tower. Ramp net radios or cell phones may also be used as a means to pass

critical info immediately. As manpower and duties allow, runners will attempt to pass

weather data to other primary agencies. Supported agencies may have to provide a runner

to get weather information from the weather flight.

2.14. Alternate Operating Location (AOL). The weather flight AOL is on the 10th floor of

building 2064 (Air Traffic Control Tower), DSN 682-9585, commercial (702) 652-9585. In the

event of an evacuation the weather flight will relocate to the AOL. The weather flight will

continue to provide airfield, mission weather, resource protection, and staff integration services

once established at the AOL.

2.14.1. Operations at the AOL are subject to the following site-specific limitations:

2.14.1.1. No PMSV radio. See paragraph 2.13.3 for the backup procedure.

2.14.1.2. No fax machine.

2.14.2. Weather flight personnel will notify the agencies listed in Table 2.1 that weather

operations are relocating or have relocated to the AOL as soon as it is practical.


2.14.3. Until weather operations are relocated and re-established, the 25 OWS will perform

METWATCH, MISSIONWATCH and take full responsibility of all watches, warnings and

advisories (WWA).

2.14.4. If the AMOS is not fully operational, weather flight personnel will take and transmit

an observation within 15 minutes of arrival at the AOL. To ensure information is relayed

promptly the observation will be disseminated by phone to the agencies listed in Table 2.1

before normal dissemination procedures are followed.

2.14.5. The “eyes forward” function provided for the 25 OWS and responsibility for

WWA’s will begin as soon as possible but not before the initial observation, if necessary, is

transmitted.

2.14.6. The weather flight will notify the squadrons listed in Table 2.2 of AOL operations

and of impacts to weather support.


Table 2.2. AOL Squadron Notification List.

DSN: 682-XXXX

Commercial: (702) 652-XXXX

Voice Fax

USAF Weapons School

16 WPS -3377 No fax

17 WPS -8801 No fax

34 WPS -6046 No fax

66 WPS -8397 No fax

433 WPS -8613 No fax

53rd Wing

88 TES -8869 -2168

422 TES -4997 No fax

57th Wing

Thunderbirds -4115 -4116

64 AGRS -2238 -6229

57 ATSS -6500 No fax

549 CTS -4262

*Red Flag Wx -2395 -5084

*Green Flag Wx -7030

Tenant Units

66 RQS -6692 No fax

* Only if exercises are in progress.

2.15. Aircraft and Ground Mishaps. When notified of any aircraft or ground mishap

(weather-related or not) requiring OPREP-3 or local reporting, the weather flight will contact the

25 OWS and collaborate to ensure applicable and available terrestrial and space weather data is

archived.

2.15.1. The weather flight will coordinate with other relevant units (e.g. TACC for an AMC

gained mission) to ensure required data is saved.

2.15.2. The weather flight, 25 OWS, and other relevant units will archive data for the region

of operations from 12 hours before the time of the event through 6 hours after the event.


Chapter 3

MISSION WEATHER SERVICES

3.1. General. The weather flight provides mission-tailored weather services, METWATCH,

and MISSIONWATCH. In collaboration with the weather flight, the 25 OWS develops and

disseminates the Nellis AFB Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and weather watches.

3.2. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF). A TAF is an aviation forecast for a specific

aerodrome providing meteorological information for flight planning and command and control.

Unless otherwise specified, elements in the TAF apply to the area within a 5 statute mile radius

of the center of the aerodrome. TAFs are disseminated as coded weather bulletins and AFH 11-

203V2, Weather for Aircrews, paragraph 3.1 gives a step-by-step example showing how to read

TAFs.

3.2.1. The 25 OWS will amend the TAF when conditions not in the forecast occur and are

expected to last at least 30 minutes, or if forecast conditions do not occur by the specified

hour and are not expected to occur within the next 30 minutes. TAF amendment criteria are

listed in Attachment 4.

3.2.2. The Nellis TAF is issued by the 25 OWS every 8 hours, at 07Z, 15Z, and 23Z, and

provides a 30 hour forecast. A TAF is normally not issued if the airfield will be closed for

more than 8 hours.

3.2.3. The TAF will contain a LAST NO AMDS AFT D1D1H1H1 NEXT D2D2H2H2 when

the airfield will be closed. Times are rounded to the nearest hour UTC. This remark is used

when the next TAF will not be issued at its scheduled time, i.e. the airfield will be closing for

more than 8 hours. D1D1H1H1 is the day and time after which the TAF will no longer be

amended and D2D2H2H2 is the day and time the next TAF will be issued.

3.3. Mission Planning Forecast (MPF). The Nellis MPF is produced by the weather flight for

mission planners and contains a two day weather outlook for the NTTR. This non-amendable

forecast is issued no later than 1400L on days the weather flight is open and the NTTR is in use.

The MPF is posted to the weather flight SharePoint site, linked in paragraph 1.7.2.

3.4. Mission Execution Forecast (MEF). The MEF is a customized weather product providing

terrestrial and space weather data and forecasts for a specific mission or set of missions that

integrates aerospace weather with the customer‘s tactics, weapon systems, environmental

sensitivities of equipment, and other operational requirements. The weather flight produces

MEFs tailored to the types of aircraft and missions scheduled for the day. The issue time of the

morning MEF depends on first take-off and may vary based on the flying schedule and weather

conditions. The afternoon and evening MEFs are issued at 1200L and 1800L as necessary,

Monday – Friday. MEFs are valid for 8 hours; weather flight personnel will update the current

MEF if any of the criteria listed in Attachment 6 occur.

3.4.1. MEFs will provide the following information:

3.4.1.1. Takeoff and landing data.

3.4.1.2. Range weather forecasts for the areas of operation.

3.4.1.3. Solar, lunar, and space weather data.


3.4.1.4. Forecasts for alternate airfields.

3.4.1.5. Space weather impacts to HF and UHF communications, forecast GPS error, and

forecast high altitude radiation dosage.

3.4.2. The MEF is posted to the weather flight SharePoint site, linked in paragraph 1.7.2.

The format, timing, and dissemination of the MEF are determined by the requirements of

supported units. The weather flight coordinates with each unit to determine the content and

format of the MEF, ensuring it contains decision-grade information applicable to the mission.

3.5. Flight Weather Briefing (FWB). FWBs support aircrews requiring enroute weather when

departing Nellis AFB and are produced by the weather flight as a DD Form 175-1 Flight

Weather Brief or as a verbal briefing. If requested, FWBs can be posted to the weather flight

SharePoint site, linked in paragraph 1.7.2.

3.5.1. The weather flight will provide FWB support to transient aircrews IAW duty priorities

(see Table 1.3). If unable to assist the aircrew within 30 minutes the weather flight will

either arrange for the 25 OWS to generate and deliver the FWB or provide contact

information for the 25 OWS so the aircrew can arrange for a flight weather briefing in the

mission planning room. Under no circumstances will the weather flight deny assistance to an

aircrew requesting a FWB.

3.5.2. AMC-gained missions: The weather flight will update takeoff weather data and notify

Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) Global Mobility Weather Operations (XOW) if the

update includes mission-limiting criteria IAW AFMAN 15-129V2 Paragraph 2.8.2.

3.5.3. ACC Air Operations Squadron (AOS) controlled missions: The weather flight will

brief aircrews using ACC/AOC Controlling Mission Execution Forecast (CMEF). Any

deviations from CMEFs will be coordinated with ACC/AOS.

3.5.4. As noted in paragraph 0 all FWBs will be documented and maintained. The following

items will be retained as part of the record:

3.5.4.1. Briefing time.

3.5.4.2. Briefer initials.

3.5.4.3. Aircrew call sign or mission number.

3.5.4.4. All information relayed to aircrew.

3.5.4.5. Void time, if applicable.

3.6. Tactical Decision Aids (TDA). Mission-specific electro-optical forecasts will be provided

by the weather flight on request. Tactical Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS), a DoD-

certified application, is used by the weather flight to create TDAs for specific electro-optical

weapons and sensor systems. The standard TDA produced by the weather flight includes

maximum target detection range, lock-on range, and a graph of target and background

temperatures over time. TDAs are posted to the weather flight SharePoint site (linked in

paragraph 0.) or will be e-mailed or faxed if requested.

3.7. Mission-Scale Meteorological Watch (MISSIONWATCH). MISSIONWATCH is the

process for monitoring terrestrial or space weather for predefined mission-limiting factors. The

weather flight conducts a MISSIONWATCH tailored to the missions of the day and updates


supported units, the SOF, and 25OWS on changes to mission-critical conditions. The weather

flight also updates the current MEF and ensures the TAF accurately reflects current and

forecasted conditions. Transient aircrews are the exception to this policy.

3.8. RED FLAG/GREEN FLAG-West. Forecasters in support of RED FLAG or GREEN

FLAG-West are responsible for all aspects of weather support to TDY aircrews and other

participating personnel. Weather support includes but is not limited to mission weather briefs,

weather updates, warnings, watches, and advisories and redeployment briefs after ENDEX.

Weather support will be provided by a combination of Nellis and TDY weather personnel. In

instances where no US forces are participating, or TDY weather personnel do no participate, the

Nellis weather flight will provide or arrange all weather support with coordination through

ACC/A3W. The Nellis weather flight will serve as the point of contact for TDY weather

personnel and assist with the stand-up of the exercise weather area. In addition, the weather

flight will provide familiarization training on weather patterns and forecasting challenges for the

local area and required MOAs.

3.9. USAFWS Weapons Integration/Advanced Integration (WI/AI). The final phase of the

Weapons School is the Advanced Integration. Weather flight personnel will provide weather

support for the AI phase including coordination with the AI Project Officer on required briefings.

3.10. Coronet Mission Briefings. Weather flight personnel will coordinate briefing

requirements with the Deployed Controlling Officer and brief aircrews as described in

paragraph 3.5.3.

3.11. Supervisor of Flying (SOF) Briefing. One hour prior to the first scheduled flight the

weather flight will provide the SOF a weather briefing in person or over the phone. The briefing

covers current and forecasted conditions at the airfield and all military operating areas scheduled

for use. As part of the MISSIONWATCH, the weather flight will alert the SOF to all mission-

impacting changes to the weather. All briefings and updates will be documented and maintained

as described in paragraph 0.

3.12. Out of Station Briefings. A supported unit may request weather flight participation in a

mission briefing. Weather flight personnel will prepare and present a weather briefing tailored to

the specific needs of the mission.


Chapter 4

STAFF INTEGRATION

4.1. General. Staff weather services are provided by the officers and senior NCOs of the

weather flight and are tailored to the needs of the supported unit. The weather flight staff will

provide or arrange for all weather support or information required by supported organizations.

This includes, but is not limited to, climatological, historical, and planning weather data or

studies, as well as astronomical and tidal data.

4.2. 99 ABW Stand-up Briefing. The weather flight will provide slides for the 99 ABW/CC

stand-up briefing. A seven-day weather outlook will be posted to the Nellis SharePoint site at

the following location

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/99abw/99%20ABW%20Stand%20Up%20Slides/For

ms/AllItems.aspx

4.3. Airfield Operations Board (AOB). A member of the weather flight staff will participate

as a member of the AOB as directed in AFI 13-204V3, Airfield Operations Procedures and

Programs.

4.4. Base Support Plan (BSP). The weather flight will designate a primary and an alternate

BSP POC. These individuals are de facto members of the Base Support Planning Committee and

are responsible for the currency and accuracy of the BSP weather chapter. They will collaborate

with and provide support to other members of the Base Support Planning Committee, update the

57 OSS/CC on BSP issues, and maintain a continuity book documenting the discussions and

rationale behind the BSP weather chapter. At least one POC will attend all BSP meetings.

4.5. Instrument Refresher Course (IRC) Briefing. The IRC briefing is a mandatory class for

all personnel on flying status. The IRC weather brief is a refresher on local weather, weather

hazards, weather equipment, and online tools and data available from the weather flight.

4.6. Flight Information Publication (FLIP) Review. The weather flight will review each new

FLIP edition applicable to Nellis AFB immediately upon distribution to verify the accuracy of

weather support information and will request changes through AMOPS. In addition, airfield

minima will be checked to ensure SPECI observation criteria are correct. The 25 OWS will be

notified of any modifications to SPECI criteria.

4.7. Toxic Corridor, Chemical and Effective Downwind Messages. IAW NAFB 10-2,

Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, upon notification of any incident that involves a

toxic spill or base emergency, the weather flight will provide appropriate weather data for toxic

corridor calculations performed by 99 CES/CEX. Updates will be provided as necessary.

4.7.1. Chemical Downwind Messages (CDM) and Effective Downwind Messages (EDM)

are available upon request.

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/99abw/99%20ABW%20Stand%20Up%20Slides/Forms/AllItems.aspx

https://nellis.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/org/99abw/99%20ABW%20Stand%20Up%20Slides/Forms/AllItems.aspx


Chapter 5

RESOURCE PROTECTION

5.1. General. The 57 OSS weather flight and the 25 OWS (Davis Monthan AFB)

collaboratively provide resource protection through forecasts, METWATCH, and weather alerts

providing enough advance notice to allow units to prepare.

5.2. Definition of terms:

5.2.1. Severe weather: Any weather condition that poses a hazard to property or life.

5.2.2. Weather watch: Issued when the potential exists for severe weather. Organizations

and personnel should consider taking protective measures.

5.2.3. Weather warning: Issued when severe weather is imminent or occurring.

Organizations and personnel must take immediate protective actions.

5.2.4. Weather advisory: Issued when non-severe weather conditions impacting operations

are occurring or are forecast to occur.

5.2.5. WWA: Watch, warning, advisory. Used as a non-specific reference to these notices.

5.2.6. Desired lead time (DLT): The total amount of time required to disseminate a forecast

WWA from the issuing organization through the local dissemination tree to the supported

agency plus the amount of advance notice a supported agency requires before the onset of the

weather. For example, if the DLT is 30 minutes and it takes 5 minutes for the WWA to reach

the supported agency, then that agency will have 25 minutes advance notice. WWA criteria

are listed in attachment 8.

5.2.7. Special Weather Statement (SWS): Advance notice of widespread hazardous weather

conditions with the potential to affect military installation in the specified geographic area.

They are normally issued 48-72 hours in advance.

5.3. Delineation of Weather Watch, Warning and Advisory Duties. The 25 OWS is

primarily responsible for issuing forecast watches (not including lightning watches) and SWS

products. The 25 OWS will issue warnings normally issued by the 57 OSS weather flight in the

event of imminent threat to life or property. The 57 OSS weather flight is primarily responsible

for issuing all forecast warnings, observed warnings, forecast lightning watches, forecast

advisories and observed advisories;

5.3.1. The 25 OWS will issue any required WWAs in situations where the weather event is

imminent and weather flight personnel have not assumed responsibility for issuing WWAs.

An imminent event is one that is forecast to occur and must be issued to attain any positive

lead time (DLT).

5.3.2. The 25 OWS will issue required WWAs in situations where the weather flight cannot

assume responsibility to meet full desired lead-time and the unit requests that the 25 OWS

issue the WWAs.

5.3.3. During hours when the weather flight is closed the OWS will notify the weather flight

stand-by weather personnel in the event that the OWS determines a forecast warning,

advisory or lightning watch needs to be issued (i.e., a watch is issued or criteria is predicted).


This provides situational awareness and minimizes un-forecast weather impacts to operations

and personnel.

5.3.4. When weather flight personnel are on duty the OWS will not issue observed

advisories.

5.3.5. When weather flight personnel are not on duty the OWS will issue observed

advisories.

5.4. WWA Numbering . Weather watches, warnings, and advisories are numbered

consecutively by type. Each WWA is first identified by the type of message (watch, warning, or

advisory) followed by an identification number using the format MMXXX. MM is the two digit

month of issue and XXX is the sequence number. For example, the message “Weather Warning

02005” means the message was issued in February and was the fifth warning issued that month.

The message “Weather Advisory 12-013” means the message was issued in December and was

the thirteenth advisory issued that month.

5.5. Primary Dissemination. WWAs are disseminated through JET using the automated

Integrated Weather Warning Capability (IWWC). The WWA is displayed on the AFAS

monitors in the ATC Tower, NATCF and in JET at the weather flight. IWWC transmits an

automated message via telephone to the command post and AMOPS. The command post uses

the Nellis AFB Emergency Mass Notification System (EMNS) to push the WWA to computers

on base. EMNS also makes automated calls to individuals who have coordinated with the CP.

AMOPS activates the secondary crash net IAW CEMP 10-2 for situations in paragraph 6.10.1.

Figure 5.1. illustrates this notification flow.


Figure 5.1. Primary WWA Notification Flow.

5.6. Backup Dissemination. If JET is inoperative, the organization issuing the WWA (either

the 25 OWS or the weather flight) will contact the agencies listed in Table 2.1 by phone. The

contacted agencies will follow their backup notification procedures as required.

5.7. Severe Weather Action Plan (SWAP). The SWAP defines the events, personnel

requirements, and operating procedures required to mitigate the threat of severe weather.

5.7.1. At a minimum the SWAP will be activated whenever watches or warnings are issued

for the following conditions:

5.7.1.1. Tornado.

5.7.1.2. Severe thunderstorms (surface winds ≥ 50 kts associated with thunderstorms or

hail ≥ 3/4 inch diameter).

5.7.1.3. Hail > ¼ inch diameter.

5.7.1.4. Damaging winds (surface winds ≥ 50 kts not associated with thunderstorms).

5.7.1.5. Freezing precipitation.


5.7.2. The severe weather team consists of a team lead (one of the officers or NCOICs of the

weather flight) and any weather flight personnel recalled by the team lead as required to

efficiently handle weather conditions and increased workload.

5.7.2.1. SWAP personnel will perform enhanced METWATCH and MISSIONWATCH,

increase surveillance of local and regional conditions through reported observations,

weather radar, and expand eyes forward responsibilities to support the 25 OWS.

5.7.2.2. The SWAP leader, in addition to the duties in 5.7.2.1, will perform Operational

Reporting (OPREP) duties (see paragraph 5.8).

5.7.2.3. The weather flight will remain open and SWAP will remain in effect until the

expiration or cancellation of the watches and warnings responsible for SWAP activation.

5.7.3. The 25 OWS will coordinate with the Nellis forecaster prior to issuing a severe

weather watch or, time permitting, a severe weather warning. The forecaster will activate the

SWAP and recall the severe weather team lead as necessary.

5.7.3.1. Due to the danger posed by severe weather, the 25 OWS may issue observed

severe weather warnings before contacting the weather flight.

5.7.3.2. During periods when the weather station is unmanned, the 25 OWS will contact

the standby forecaster. If the standby forecaster cannot be contacted, the 25 OWS will

contact the Command Post which will contact a member of weather flight leadership.

5.8. Operational Reporting (OPREP). If requested by 99 ABW/CP, the weather flight

commander, NCOIC, or the lead during SWAP activation will collaborate with the 25 OWS to

provide weather data for the OPREP-3 report.

5.8.1. All weather information provided for a weather-related OPREP-3 report will also be

sent to ACC/A3W and the 25 OWS.


Chapter 6

RECIPROCAL SUPPORT

6.1. General. The agencies listed in this chapter will provide services as described below.

6.2. 99 ABW/CC will: Chair a review of installation severe weather preparedness, capabilities,

requirements, and procedures annually IAW AFI 10-229, Responding To Severe Weather Events.

6.3. 99 ABW/CP will:

6.3.1. Disseminate weather watches, warnings, and advisories via EMNS.

6.3.2. Monitor JET IWWC for weather updates and report IWWC outages or restoration of

services to the weather flight.

6.3.3. Notify the weather flight of any aircraft or ground mishap (weather-related or not)

requiring OPREP-3 or local reporting.

6.3.4. Provide a copy of OPREPs containing weather data to the weather flight.

6.3.5. Relay PIREPs or reports of significant weather (including turbulence and icing) to the

weather flight.

6.3.6. Notify the weather flight of events that require weather support.

6.3.7. Store and provide 24-hour access to the weather flight’s classified documents in the

event of weather station evacuation.

6.4. 99 CS will:

6.4.1. Provide support to the weather flight as directed by coordinated Service Level

Agreements and Memorandums of Agreement.

6.4.2. Notify the weather flight at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled LAN or Internet

outages. Notifications from the 99 CS will be distributed to the 57 OSS/OSW via the 57

OSS/OSW Organizational Email account.

6.5. 57 OSS/OSM will:

6.5.1. Notify the weather flight of scheduled outages to the radio tower or equipment related

to the weather flight’s PMSV radio.

6.5.2. Inform the weather flight about alterations to the radio tower or equipment related to

the weather flight’s PMSV radio as alterations may affect the range of PMSV service.

6.5.3. Maintain weather equipment technical orders (TOs) and make them available to the

weather flight upon request.

6.6. 99 AMDS/SGPB (Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight) will:

6.6.1. Provide the base populace the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, Heat Stress Index, Wind

Chill, and Frostbite Risk Level during normal duty hours.

6.6.2. Assist the weather flight in validating and confirming appropriate fighter induced

thermal stress (FITS) index levels and can be reached at DSN 653-3316 ext. 3.


6.7. 57 WG/SE will:

6.7.1. Notify the weather flight as soon as possible when any mishap occurs requiring a

weather data save.

6.7.2. Notify the weather flight when a weather presentation is required for flight safety

meetings.

6.8. 57 OG/CC will:

6.8.1. Establish operational weather support requirements and procedures.

6.8.2. Notify the weather flight of all changes in mission weather support.

6.8.3. Coordinate SOF, IRC, and seasonal awareness briefings with the weather flight.

6.9. 57 OSS/OSA will:

6.9.1. Provide a workspace with a telephone, LAN access, and 24-hour physical access to

the 10tth floor of building 2064 (ATC Tower) as the weather flight Alternate Operating

Location.

6.9.2. 57 OSS/OSAA will:

6.9.2.1. Disseminate all weather warnings over the secondary crash net.

6.9.2.2. Provide the weather flight updated DoD Flight Information Publications (FLIPs).

6.9.2.3. Notify the weather flight of permanent or temporary changes to airfield

operating hours.

6.9.2.4. Coordinate with the weather flight before switching Building 805 between

commercial and generator power.

6.9.2.5. Disseminate all warnings for lightning within 5 NM over the Tower Net.

6.9.3. 57 OSS/OSAR will:

6.9.3.1. Relay PIREPs to the weather flight within 5 minutes of receipt.

6.9.3.2. Monitor JET weather data on AFAS and report JET outages or restoration of

services to the weather flight (or standby forecaster).

6.9.4. 57 OSS/OSAT will:

6.9.4.1. Relay runway and wind sensor changes to the weather flight.

6.9.4.2. Relay PIREPs to the weather flight within 5 minutes of receipt.

6.9.4.3. Monitor JET weather data on AFAS and report JET outages or restoration of

services to the weather flight (or standby forecaster).

6.9.4.4. Participate in the Cooperative Weather Watch. See paragraph 2.10.

6.9.4.5. Perform a PMSV radio check upon request.

6.9.4.6. Monitor PMSV frequency as time permits if the weather flight’s PMSV radio is

inoperative or the weather flight evacuated building 805. See paragraph 2.13.3.


6.9.4.7. Provide ATC Tower indoctrination and orientation training for newly-assigned

weather personnel.

6.9.4.8. In the event of an aircraft divert after dark, will turn on the runway lights as far

in advance of the divert as possible in order to allow the FMQ-19 RVR sensor enough

time to accurately measure runway visual range.

6.10. Supervisor of Flying will:

6.10.1. Contact the weather flight for a weather briefing prior to the first scheduled takeoff

IAW AFI 11-418 Nellis AFB Supplement, Operations Supervision, paragraph 4.2.11.1.

6.10.2. Relay PIREPs to the weather flight within 5 minutes of receipt.

6.11. 414 CTS and 549 CTS will:

6.11.1. Ensure deployed aircrews participating in RED FLAG and GREEN FLAG know to

contact their assigned TDY forecasters for weather support.

6.11.2. Encourage deployed aircrews to submit PIREPs upon encountering significant

weather (including turbulence and icing) for dissemination by their assigned weather

personnel.

6.11.3. Coordinate TDA and NVG support at least 4 hours prior to brief time.

6.12. 16 WPS, 17 WPS, 34 WPS, 66 WPS, 433 WPS, 64AGRS will:

6.12.1. Coordinate TDA and NVG support at least 4 hours prior to brief time.

6.12.2. Submit a PIREP upon encountering significant weather (including turbulence and

icing).

PAUL J. MURRAY, Colonel, USAF

Commander


Attachment 1

GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION

References

AFPD 15-1, Weather Operations, 12 Nov 2015\

AFI 11-418 Nellis AFB Supplement, Operations Supervision, 17 Sep 2014

AFI 15-128_ACCSUP, Air Force Weather Roles and Responsibilities, 17 Dec 2012

AFI 33-364, Records Disposition - Procedures and Responsibilities, 22 Dec 2006

AFI 91-203, Air Force Consolidated Occupational Safety Instruction, 15 Jun 2012

AFMAN 15-111, Surface Weather Observations, 27 Feb 2013

AFMAN 15-124, Meteorological Codes, 28 Feb 2013

AFMAN 15-129V1, Air and Space Weather Operations – Characterization, 6 Dec 2011

AFMAN 15-129V2_ACCSUP, Air and Space Weather Operations – Exploitation, 6 Aug 2013

AFH 11-203V2, Weather for Aircrews, 13 Aug 2015

AFPAM 48-151 Thermal Injury, 7 Apr 2016

NAFB/CAFB/NTTR Plan 10-2, Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, 15 Aug 2011

Adopted Forms

DD Form 175-1, Flight Weather Briefing

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFAS—Airfield Automation System

AFT—After

AMDS—Amendments

AMOPS—Airfield Management Operations

AMOS—Automated Observing System

AOB—Airfield Operations Board

AOL—Alternate Operating Location

AOS—Air Operations Squadron

ATC—Air Traffic Control

BSP—Base Support Plan

BWW—Basic Weather Watch

CDM—Chemical Downwind Message

CMEF—Controlling Mission Execution Forecast


CP—Command Post

CWW—Continuous Weather Watch

DLT—Desired Lead Time

EDM—Effective Downwind Message

EMNS—Emergency Mass Notification System

FLIP—Flight Information Publication

FWB—Flight Weather Briefing

ICAO—International Civil Aviation Organization

IRC—Instrument Refresher Course

IWWC—Integrated Weather Warning Capability

JET—Joint Environmental Toolkit

LAN—Local Area Network

MEF—Mission Execution Forecast

METAR—Aviation Routine Weather Report

METWATCH—Meteorological Watch

MISSIONWATCH—Mission Watch

MOA—Military Operating Area

MOAF—Military Operating Area Forecast

MPF—Mission Planning Forecast

NATCF—Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility

NOTAM—Notice to Airmen

NTC—National Training Center

NTTR—Nevada Test and Training Range

NVG—Night Vision Goggles

NWS—National Weather Service

OPREP—Operational Report

OPUP—Open Principal User Processor

OWS—National Weather Service

PIREP—Pilot Report

PMSV—Pilot-to-Metro Service

RAPCON—Radar Approach Control

RVR—Runway Visual Range


SOF—Supervisor of Flying

SPECI—Special Aviation Report

SWAP—Severe Weather Action Plan

SWS—Special Weather Statement

TACC—Tanker Airlift Control Center

TAF—Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

TAWS—Tactical Acquisition Weapons Software

TDA—Tactical Decision Aid

TO—Technical Order

USAFWS—USAF Weapons School

UTTR—Utah Test and Training Range

WI—Weapons Integration

WMO—World Meteorological Organization

WWA—Watch, Warning, Advisory

Terms

Alternate Operating Location (AOL)—The location to which the weather flight will move in

the event that Bldg 305 is evacuated.

Automated Observing System (AMOS)—An accredited observing system with the capability

to automatically collect and disseminate observations.

Climatology—Historical records of weather conditions measured or observed at a specific

location. Climatology is useful in planning operations beyond 5 to 7 days. It usually describes

the average (or mean) conditions such as high and low temperatures and extremes.

Continuous Weather Watch (CWW)—Continuous monitoring of weather conditions by a

member of the weather flight during which no other significant duties are performed. Both

routine (METAR) and special (SPECI) weather observations will be taken and disseminated

appropriate due to existing meteorological conditions.

Desired Lead Time (DLT)—The total amount of time required to disseminate a forecast WWA

from the issuing organization through the local dissemination tree to the supported agency plus

the amount of advance notice a supported agency requires before the onset of the weather.

Eyes Forward—One of the functions the weather flight performs for the OWS in which weather

flight forecasters relay meteorological information not contained in coded observations to the

OWS. It is an integral part of the METWATCH.

Installation Data Page—A document used by the 25 OWS defining the specific environmental

support requirements, technical data, reference material, and contact information for Nellis AFB

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—A United Nations organization

specializing in matters dealing with international aviation and navigation.


Joint Environmental Toolkit (JET)—The primary means used by the weather flight and the 25

OWS to create and disseminate forecasts, observations, and weather warnings, watches, and

advisories.

METAR—METAR is a routine scheduled observation as well as the primary observation code

used by the United States to satisfy requirements for reporting surface meteorological data.

Meteorological Watch (METWATCH)—The process of monitoring terrestrial and space

weather in an area. The purpose of the METWATCH is to identify when and where observed

conditions significantly diverge from forecasted conditions and to update or amend forecast

products and notify supported agencies.

Military Operating Area (MOA)—A specific area in which military operations are occurring.

Military Operating Area Forecast (MOAF)—A forecast for terrestrial or space weather for a

specific area in which military operations are occurring

Mission Execution Forecast (MEF)—Products generated by weather organizations that are

focused on execution of aviation, space, ground (Operations Group, Mission Support Group or

other organizational operations) or maritime operations.

Mission Planning Forecast (MPF)—A two-day weather non-amendable forecast for the NTTR,

issued no later than 0500L on days the weather flight is open and the NTTR is in use.

Mission Watch (MISSIONWATCH)—The monitoring of aerospace weather for a specific

mission (i.e., ground, air or space) and informing supported agencies when unforecasted mission-

limiting phenomena could affect operations.

Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility (NATCF)—The Radar Approach Control, or RAPCON, for

Nellis AFB.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)—A timely notice containing information concerning the

establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedures, or hazards,

essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

Operational Weather Squadron (OWS)—An organization responsible for providing regional

weather support by producing operational-level weather forecast products and services. Nellis

AFB is supported by the 25 OWS at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.

Pilot Report (PIREP)—A report of in-flight weather provided by an aircraft crewmember.

Pilot-to-Metro Service (PMSV)—A means for aircrews to request weather information and

receive updates to flight weather briefings. Aircrew can also transmit PIREPs which are then

disseminated worldwide.

Prevailing Visibility—The visibility considered to be representative of the visibility conditions

at the official observing point.

Runway Visual Range (RVR)—The distance over which a pilot of an aircraft on the centerline

of the runway can see the runway surface markings or its centre line.

Severe Weather—Any weather condition that poses a hazard to property or life.

Severe Weather Action Procedures (SWAP)—Defines the events, personnel requirements, and

operating procedures required to mitigate the threat of severe weather.


Space Weather—Describes the conditions in space that affect the near-Earth space

environment, satellites, and ground based systems. Space weather forecasts include impacts to

radio communications and GPS systems.

SPECI—An unscheduled observation taken when special weather criteria are observed.

Special Weather Statement (SWS)—An OWS notice to supported customers of meteorological

effects which could impact future operations. This notice is for situational awareness purposes

only and does not require action by supported customers.

Tactical Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS)—Used by the weather flight to create TDAs

for specific electro-optical weapons and sensor systems. The standard TDA produced by the

weather flight includes maximum target detection range, lock-on range, and a graph of target and

background temperatures over time.

Tactical Decision Aid (TDA)—A product showing the predicted maximum detection or lock-on

range of air-to-ground electro-optical weapons and sensor systems.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)—An aviation forecast for a specific aerodrome

providing meteorological information for flight planning and command and control,

disseminated as coded weather bulletins.

Weather Advisory—Issued when non-severe weather conditions impacting operations are

occurring or are forecast to occur.

Weather Products— Products generated by weather personnel for weather personnel or for

non-weather personnel to use for planning purposes, situational awareness, and MEF generation.

Weather Warning—Issued when severe weather is imminent or occurring. Organizations and

personnel must take immediate protective actions.

Weather Watch—Issued when the potential exists for severe weather. Organizations and

personnel should consider taking protective measures.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)—The specialized agency of the United Nations

for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences;

it has a membership of 189 countries and territories.


Attachment 2

LOCATION OF AN/FMQ-19


Attachment 3

SPECIAL OBSERVATION CRITERIA

A3.1. General Special observations (SPECI) are taken whenever specific criteria significant to

both flight operations and resource protection occur. Criteria directing these observations are

derived from guidance in AFMAN 15-111, Surface Weather Observations, and Flight

Information Publications (FLIP). SPECI criteria will be updated in the form of a MFR in the

event of corresponding FLIP updates that occur more frequently than this document is updated.

A3.2. Procedures: The FMQ-19 or duty forecaster (when augmenting) will take and

disseminate a SPECI observation whenever any of the following criteria are observed. If the

change occurs while taking an hourly observation, the criteria will be included in the scheduled

hourly observation and labeled as a Record (METAR) observation:

Table A3.1. Thresholds for Ceiling, Visibility, and RVR Special Criteria.

The ceiling (rounded off to

reportable values) forms or

dissipates below, decreases to

less than, or, if below, increases

to equal or exceed the values

listed below.

Surface visibility as reported in

the body of the report

decreases to less than, or, if

below, increases to equal or

exceed the values listed below.

Runway Visual Range

(RVR) for active runway

decreases to less than or, if

below, increase to equal or

exceed.

5,000 ft (FAA ATIS remark

requirement)

4 SM (AFMAN 15-111)

(TWR VIS criteria)

6000 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

3,000 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 3 SM (AFMAN 15-111) 5500 ft (DoD Flips)

2,000 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 2 1/2 SM * (DoD Flips) 5000 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

1,500 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 2 1/4 SM (DoD Flips) 4000 ft (DoD Flips)

1,300 ft (DoD Flips) 2 SM (AFMAN 15-111) 2400 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

1,000 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 1 3/4 SM (DoD Flips) 2000 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

900 ft (DoD Flips) 1 5/8 SM * (DoD Flips) 1600 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

800 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 1 1/2 SM (AFI 11-202v3 ACC

SUP, Table 8.3, AFMAN 15-

111)

1200 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

700 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 1 3/8 SM * (DoD Flips) 1000 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

600 ft (DoD Flips) 1 1/4 SM (DoD Flips) 600 ft (AFMAN 15-111)

500 ft (AFMAN 15-111) 1 SM (AFMAN 15-111)

300 ft (AFMAN 15-111) ¾ SM (DoD Flips)

200 ft (AFMAN 15-111) ½ SM (AFMAN 15-111) RVR is first determined as

unavailable (RVRNO) for

runway in use, and when

first determined that

RVRNO report is no longer

applicable, provided RVR

conditions exist.

100 ft (AFMAN 15-111) ¼ SM (AFMAN 15-111) RVR report required when

prevailing visibility first


observed < 1SM/1600

meters, again when

prevailing visibility goes

above 1SM/1600 meters

Note: Items marked with an (*) indicate the FMQ-19 will NOT sense this special criterion

Table A3.2. Additional Special Criteria.

Criteria Pertinent Data Notes

Tower Visibility

(1) Notified by the control tower that tower visibility has

decreased to less than or, if below, increased to equal or

exceed 1, 2, or 3 statute miles, AND the control tower

visibility differs from the prevailing visibility.

(2) Notified by the control tower that tower visibility has

decreased to less than or, if below, increased to equal or

exceed locally developed special criteria AND the control

tower visibility differs from the prevailing visibility.

Transmit a SPECI

with the tower

visibility as a remark

when the criteria to the

left are met.

Note 1

Sky Condition

An observation will be taken when a layer of clouds or

obscuring phenomenon aloft is observed below the highest

published instrument landing minimum (including circling)

applicable to the airfield (1,100 feet), and no layer aloft

was reported below this height in the previous METAR or

SPECI observation.

Wind Shift The wind direction changes by 45 degrees or more in less

than 15 minutes with sustained winds (or gust) of ten knots

or more throughout the wind shift.

Squall A strong wind characterized by a sudden onset in which the

wind speed increases at least 16 knots and is sustained at

22 knots or more for at least one minute.

A SPECI is not

required to report a

squall if one is

currently in progress.

Volcanic Ash

When first observed. Note 1

Thunderstorm

Begins or ends, i.e. no thunderstorm activity for 15

minutes.

A special observation

is not required to

report the beginning of

a new thunderstorm if

one is currently

reported in progress at

the weather station.

Precipitation

(1) Hail begins or ends

Except for freezing

rain, freezing drizzle,

hail and ice pellets, a

Note 2


(2) Freezing precipitation begins, ends or changes

intensity.

(3) Ice pellets begin, end or change intensity

(4) Any other type of precipitation begins or ends (e.g.,

rain, drizzle, snow, etc.)

SPECI is not required

for changes in type

(e.g., drizzle changing

to snow grains) or the

beginning or ending of

one type while another

is in progress (e.g.,

snow changing to rain

and snow).

Tornado, Funnel Cloud or Waterspout

When first observed or disappears from sight or ends.

Note 1

Upon Resumption of Observing Function

(1) Within 15 minutes after returning to duty following

a break in observing coverage or augmentation at

the observing location unless a record observation

is filed during that 15-minute period.

(2) Within 15 minutes of establishing operations in the

alternate observing site if AMOS is not functioning.

Aircraft Mishap

* A SPECI observation is not required for in-flight

emergencies; however, these emergencies alert weather

personnel to intensify the weather watch.

During normal

weather flight hours of

operation only

Note 1: The FMQ-19 will NOT sense this special criterion

Note 2: FMQ-19 will not sense hail or ice pellets.


Attachment 4

TAF SPECIFICATION AND AMENDMENT CRITERIA

A4.1. General. When certain weather thresholds (ceiling, visibility, winds, precipitation, etc.)

are met, the change will be reflected in the forecast for the time of occurrence (nearest hour),

duration and intensity. These thresholds are called specification criteria. Table A4.1 lists

specification and amendment criteria for Nellis AFB.

Table A4.1. Standard Specification and Amendment Criteria

Ceilings Visibility Category

GTE 2000 FT GTE 3 SM (4800 M) E

LT 2000 FT but

GTE 1000 FT LT 3 SM (4800 M) but GTE 2 SM (3200 M)

D

LT 1000 FT but

GTE 700 FT LT 3 SM (4800 M) but GTE 2 SM (3200 M)

C

LT 700 FT but

GTE 200 FT LT 2 SM (3200 M) but GTE 1/2 (0800 M) B

LT 200 FT LT 1/2 SM (0800 M) A

Surface Wind

Speeds

Specify wind speed changes of 10

knots or more.

Amend if predominant wind speed

is in error by 10 knots or more.

Surface Wind

Gusts

Specify onset, duration, and

intensity of wind gusts.

Amend if wind gust speed is in error

by 10 knots or more.

Surface Wind

Direction

Specify a change in prevailing

wind direction of more than 30

degrees when the predominant

wind speed or gusts are expected

to be 15 knots or more.

Amend if prevailing wind speed is

in error by more than 30 degrees

AND winds are 15 knots or more.

Icing Specify Icing not associated with

thunderstorms from surface to

10,000ft AGL.

Amend if beginning or ending of

icing meets, exceeds, or decreases to

less than or greater than moderate

intensity and was not specified in

the forecast.

Turbulence (Weather Category II Aircraft)

Specify turbulence not associated

Amend if the beginning or ending of

turbulence meets, exceeds, or


with thunderstorms from surface

to 10,000 ft AGL.

decreases to less than moderate or

greater intensity and was not

specified in the forecast.

Weather

Warning Criteria

and/or Weather

Advisory Criteria

Specify the onset, duration, and

intensity of weather warning

criteria.

Including non-convective low-level

wind shear: Occur, or are expected

to occur, during the forecast period,

but were not specified in the

forecast. Were specified in the

forecast, but are no longer occurring

or expected to occur during the

forecast period.

Altimeter Setting Altimeter setting meets or exceeds

31.00 INS and was not specified in

the forecast; if above, drops below

31.00 INS and was not specified

during the forecast period; drops

below 28.00 INS and was not

specified in the forecast; or if below

28.00 INS, increases above 28.00

INS and was not specified in the

forecast.

Thunderstorms Specify onset and duration of

thunderstorms at the aerodrome

complex.

Amend if the start or end time of the

thunderstorm is incorrectly

specified.

Temporary

Conditions

Specify the onset and duration of

temporary conditions.

1. Amend if temporary conditions

become predominant.


do not occur as forecast.


are no longer expected to occur.

Changes to

Predominant

Conditions

Specify the onset, duration, and

intensity (if applicable) of

changes to predominant

conditions.

Forecast change conditions

(BECMG or FM group) occur

before the beginning of the specified

period of change and are expected to

persist; do not occur within 30

minutes after the specified time; or



Representative

Conditions

Amend if forecast conditions are

considered unrepresentative of

existing or forecast conditions and

amending the forecast improves

safety, flight planning, operations

efficiency, or assistance to in-flight

aircraft.


Attachment 5

MISSION WEATHER THRESHOLDS / AIRCRAFT SENSITIVITIES

A5.1. MEFs are verified using criteria based on airframe and mission type. Table A5.2 lists the

take-off/recovery criteria for locally assigned aircraft. Due to the myriad of mission types flown

by aircraft at Nellis AFB, the weather flight classifies missions into nine separate categories.

Table A5.3 lists the operating area limitations based on the mission type categories. Table A5.3

lists the specific mission types flown at Nellis AFB and identifies which Mission Operating Area

Limitations category it is falls under.

Table A5.1. Airframe Restrictions.

Airframe Ceiling Visibility WX Surface

Winds

Cross

Winds Turbulence Icing

A-10 < 1,500ft < 3 SM TS W/I

10NM 35KT > 35KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

F-15C < 1,500ft < 3 SM TS W/I

10NM 35KT > 30KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

F-15E < 1,500ft < 3 SM TS W/I

10NM 35KT > 30KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

F-16 < 1,500ft < 3 SM TS W/I

10NM 35KT > 25KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

F-22A < 1,500ft < 3 SM TS W/I

10NM 35KT > 25KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

F-35 <1,500ft <3 SM TS W/I

25NM 35KT > 20KT

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT

HH-60 < 700ft < 3 SM

DAY

TS W/I

10NM 45KT

No

Criteria

Observed

MDT

Observed

LGT


Table A5.2. Mission Operating Area Limitations.


Table A5.3. Mission Operating Area Limitations Categories.

AA

A/R, ACBT, ACM, ACT, AHC, ASC, BAQ, BFM, BLUE AIR, CK RIDE, CT, DACT, DCA,

EA SPIN-UP, EAC, ECT, EMSIP, F22 SPT, INCTV, INST, INST, INT TD&E, JOINT

HAWK, MDO, MMC, MSIP, NVG, OCA, OCF, OTHER, RED AIR, RED FLAG, S-6 RRR,

SDT, SUITE 6, STE 3.2C1, TEST, TEST SPRT, TI, TUG, UNKN, XC

AIRDEMO

LAO/AHC-X, LOWAT-X, TS-X, LTS-X, PDTS-X, DTS-X, WTS-X, STS-X, LSTS-X,

RSTS-X, LDSTS-X, PHOTO-X

CAS

CSAR

DCS

LOWAT

LAO, LOWAT

WI/AI

NTF

BHM-1, DAR, FCF, OFF STN TRNG

SA

AG-XX, BSA, CAS, DWOPS-EP, EP/CONTACT, FAC,, FE-X, MOV TGT, NCSS, NMOPS,

SA-X, SAC, SAT, SEAD, TAC, WE-X, WPN, WS SUPPORT


Attachment 6

MISSION EXECUTION FORECAST (MEF) AMENDMENT CRITERIA

A6.1. The Table A6.1 lists the amendment criteria to be applied to the Take-Off and Landing

portions of the MEF. Table A6.2. lists the amendment criteria to be applied to the Range

Weather Forecasts section of the MEF and is based on the Mission Limiting Parameters outlined

in Attachment 5.

Table A6.1. MEF Amendment Criteria for Takeoff and Landing Data.

Item Remarks

Ceilings ≥ 2000 FT

< 2000 FT but ≥ 1000 FT

< 1000 FT but ≥ 700 FT

< 700 FT but ≥ 200 FT

< 200 FT

Amend if ceilings are forecast to

cross, or are observed at the

following thresholds.

Visibility ≥ 3 SM (4800 M)

< 3 SM (4800 M) but ≥ 2 SM (3200 M)

< 2 SM (3200 M) but ≥ 1/2 SM (0800 M)

LT 1/2 SM (0800 M)

Surface Wind

Speeds

Specify wind speed changes of 10 knots

or more

Amend if predominant wind speed

is in error by 10 knots or more

Surface Wind

Gusts

Specify onset, duration, and intensity of

wind gusts

Amend if wind gust speed is in

error by 10 knots or more

Surface Wind

Direction

Specify a change in prevailing wind

direction of more than 30 degrees when

the predominant wind speed or gusts are

expected to be 15 knots or more

Amend if prevailing wind speed is

in error by more than 30 degrees

AND winds are 15 knots or more

Icing Specify Icing not associated with

thunderstorms from surface to 10,000ft

AGL

Amend if beginning or ending of

icing meets, exceeds, or decreases

to less than or greater than

moderate intensity and was not

specified in the forecast

Turbulence (Weather Category II Aircraft) Specify

turbulence not associated with

thunderstorms from surface to 10,000 ft

AGL

Amend if the beginning or ending

of turbulence meets, exceeds, or

decreases to less than moderate or

greater intensity and was not

specified in the forecast

Weather

Warning

Criteria and/or

Weather

Advisory

Criteria

Specify the onset, duration, and intensity

of weather warning criteria

Including non-convective low-

level wind shear: Occur, or are

expected to occur, during the

forecast period, but were not

specified in the forecast. Were

specified in the forecast, but are no

longer occurring or expected to

occur during the forecast period


Altimeter

Setting

Altimeter setting meets or exceeds


the forecast; if above, drops below

31.00 INS and was not specified

during the forecast period; drops

below 28.00 INS and was not

specified in the forecast; or if

below 28.00 INS, increases above


the forecast.

Thunderstorms Specify onset and duration of

thunderstorms at the aerodrome complex

Amend if the start or end time of

the thunderstorm is incorrectly

specified

Temporary

Conditions

Specify the onset and duration of

temporary conditions


become predominant.


do not occur as forecast.



Changes to

Predominant

Conditions

Specify the onset, duration, and intensity

(if applicable) of changes to predominant

conditions

Forecast change conditions

(BECMG or FM group) occur

before the beginning of the

specified period of change and are

expected to persist; do not occur

within 30 minutes after the

specified time; or are no longer

expected to occur.

Representative

Conditions

Amend if Forecast conditions are

considered unrepresentative of

existing or forecast conditions and

amending the forecast improves

safety, flight planning, operations

efficiency, or assistance to in-flight

aircraft. E.g. Altimeter Setting


Table A6.2. MEF Amendment Criteria for Range Weather Forecast.


Attachment 7

WEATHER WATCH, WARNING, AND ADVISORY (WWA)CRITERIA

A7.1. lists all WWA’s issued for Nellis AFB and the NTTR. The following is listed: WWA

type, criteria of the product issued, and the desired lead time (DLT). With the exception of

advisories/watches in bold, all products are issued for a 5 nm radius from the center point of the

airfield at Nellis AFB.

Table A7.1. Weather Watch, Warning and Advisory (WWA) Criteria.

WWA

Type

Criteria DLT

Warning Damaging Winds >= 50 kts. at Nellis AFB, not associated with

convection (PHASE 3 / SWAP)

1:00

Warning Freezing Precipitation expected at Nellis AFB (SWAP) 1:00

Warning Heavy Snow >= 2 inches. within 12 hrs. expected at Nellis AFB 1:00

Warning Observed Lightning within 5nm occurring at Nellis AFB and Area 2 0

Warning Heavy Rain >= 1/2 inches. within 1 hrs. Flash Flooding expected and

imminent at Nellis AFB

1:00

Warning Strong Winds >= 35 but < 50 kts. at Nellis AFB. Not associated with

convection (PHASE 2)

:30

Warning Tornado expected at Nellis AFB (SWAP) :30

Warning Moderate Thunderstorms (SWAP). High Wind >= 35 but < 50 kts.

and/or Large Hail >= 1/4 but < 3/4 inch.

1:00

Warning Severe Thunderstorms (SWAP). Damaging Hail >= 3/4 inch. and/or

Damaging Wind >= 50 kts.

1:00

Watch Potential for Damaging Winds >= 50 kts. exists at Nellis AFB

(PHASE 3 / SWAP)

3:00

Watch Potential for Freezing Precipitation exists at Nellis AFB (SWAP) 3:00

Watch Potential for Heavy Rain >= 1/2 inches. within 1 hrs. with increased

potential of Flash Flooding exists at Nellis AFB

3:00

Watch Potential for Heavy Snow >= 2 inches. within 12 hrs. exists at Nellis

AFB

3:00

Watch Potential for Lightning within 15 NM. of Nellis AFB 1:00

Watch Potential for Lightning within 5 NM. at Nellis AFB and Area 2 :30


Watch Potential for Strong Winds >= 35 but < 50 kts. at Nellis AFB

(PHASE 2)

3:00

Watch Potential for Tornadic Activity exists at Nellis AFB (SWAP) 1:00

Watch Potential for Moderate Thunderstorms. Large Hail >= 1/4 but less than

3/4 inch. and/or Strong Winds >= 35 but less than 45 knots.

3:00

Watch Potential for Severe Thunderstorms (SWAP). Damaging Hail >= 3/4

inch. and/or Damaging Wind >= 50 kts.

3:00

*Advisory* Observed Any Intensity icing (SFC-100) not associated with

thunderstorms within 10NM of Nellis AFB

0

*Advisory* Observed Crosswinds greater than or equal to 20 knots. 0

*Advisory* Observed Crosswinds greater than or equal to 25 kts. 0

Advisory Observed ICE FOD Temperature <= 7 and Dewpoint Depression <= 5

C.

0

Advisory Observed Lightning/Thunderstorms within 15 NM. occurring 0

*Advisory* Observed Lightning/Thunderstorms observed within 25 NM. 0

*Advisory* Observed Moderate or Greater Turbulence is occurring within 10

NM. of Nellis AFB from SFC-10,000ft

0

Advisory Forecast Surface Winds >= 25 but < 35 kts. (PHASE 1) :30

*Advisory* Observed Sustained Surface Winds of >= 35KT within NTTR 0

*Advisory* Observed Fighter Thermal Stress Danger occurring 0

*Advisory* Observed Fighter Thermal Stress Caution occurring 0

* This criteria is issued only during Wing and Exercise Flying*

A7.2. The dissemination of National Weather Service (NWS) warnings (river flood, flash flood,

fire weather (red flag), coastal flood, and tsunami watches) has been coordinated through the

Nellis AFB Emergency Management (EM) Flight per AFMAN 15-129V1. The EM Flight has

determined that none of these criteria are required to be issued for Nellis AFB and its

surrounding areas.

Documents

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE 99TH …